"In 1932, Boutet de Monvel decides to execute two self-portraits for the upcoming exhibition at the Reinhardt Galleries, New York : this one, and the Self-Portrait, Place Vendôme. The painting was conceived from a photograph (see illustration below). It shows how the artist managed to reach such a photorealistic composition." http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/collection-boutet-de-monvel-pf1639/lot.36.html